Rocktober Sundae was set to get Cromer Pier’s Pavilion Theatre thumping on October 21.

But organiser Scott Butler, from Deckchair Productions, said it had now been added to the “increasing list of casualties” of the economic downturn.

In a letter to customers, he said: “The Deckchair Productions team, Pavilion Theatre management and staff, crew and artists were all looking forward to the event and it is with great sadness I have had to make the unpopular decision of cancelling it.

“I can only apologise for the disappointment and any inconvenience this cancellation has caused and I feel I must point out that this decision lies solely with Deckchair Productions and not with Openwide Coastal Ltd who currently manage the theatre.”

Mr Butler said it was a contrast to successful early sales of tickets for next year’s Folk on the Pier, also organised by Deckchair Productions.

He said: “Ironically Folk on the Pier is seeing the fastest ticket sales ever for the 15th anniversary next May and in 16 years this is the first time I have ever had to cancel a show at this venue. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.”

Rocktober Sundae was also set to feature Viva Santana, Rade, Peggy and PJ, The Divide and Michael Chapman.